The authors argue that restorative justice principles provide a sound basis for a broader framework for reintegration that is more consistent with the data on the transition most young offenders make from crime to conventional lifestyles and is more reflective of the theories and research on resiliency, maturational reform, and the maintenance of low-crime communities. Although acknowledging the importance of effective treatment programs, restorative justice affirms the central role of community social support, the role of the offender as resource (building on the strengths rather than focusing on the deficits of the offender), and the importance of strong relationships with law-abiding adults and community institutions. In the section on building relationships, this article addresses "repair," offenders, and relationships; social support and the social relationship as integrating concepts; theory and practice; and the cycle of support and reintegration. In other sections, the authors consider how effective treatment and restorative justice complement one another; engaging citizen support for offender reintegration; and the implementation of restorative justice principles. 56 references